Not sure where to go from this point...
 

I have a lot of mixed emotions about this so forgive me if my post doesn't read smoothly.

Let me start off by saying, I joined UPC three years ago. Before that, I never had much of a religious background, I can count on my hand the number of times I went to church as a kid. For a brief period I dabbled in different philosophies(atheism, new age), until life hit me like a ton of bricks and I started to give Christianity a second thought.

I, like others before me, fell in love with the experience, baptized in water and spirit. Soon after I fell in line with the standards they require of members(well, some of them).

Fast forward to present. The excitement of new birth experience has started to wear off replaced with feelings of doubt, suffocation, feeling out of place.

Let me explain. Even when I was young, I've always disliked conformity. I've always valued independence, this partially originates from how I was raised. My father taught us to think for ourselves, be ourselves and never take what someone says at face value.

So you can already guess that going from a liberal, free thinking environment to an conservative, traditional environment my life kind of did a 180. I go to church and I feel like I'm back in high school. You know, the popular cliche who always walked, talked, dressed the same, act the same? *Sigh* Yeah.

A few months back my pastor preached that makeup is of the devil(yes, those were his exact words). Of course, me being me, next Sunday I wore some powder with mascara and conducted myself as I normally do.

In one lesson my bible study teacher said the movies theater and TV were not recommended. I asked my teacher if going to see Veggie Tales was ok. After a pause, he told me the previews might be inappropriate(I've never heard of R rated being shown in G rated movies!) and of course, he said, there may be an issue with "appearance and credibility". :heeheehee. I'm sorry, I couldn't resist

Long story short: I'm starting to think 'this' particular church is really not my scene. I don't believe everything preached on the pulpit and I'm tired of acting as though I do. Many people are kind and god fearing, and I view my pastor with the up most regards. But overall, I slowly realizing that I don't see a future here.

Sorry for the long post, but really I gave you the gist of things without going into too much detail.

By the way,

Is there any biblical reference to certain churches having less power? I've heard this mentioned by saints and the first lady that churches which don't have the strict holiness standards have little or no power. Can someone explain?

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

What's the pastor's name?

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

Because I have high regards for the pastor, I want to keep his name out of this.

But he was just promoted to superintendent of our district and he's a board member at the bible college in MO.

This is really more to do with issues I'm having, rather than issues with him in particular.

"I'm moving on while I'm still strong enough to..." Toby Keith

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

I see.

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

In Pentecostal Churches sometimes "power" is equated with running aisles, jumping pews, shaking, and a noisy enviroment. Power in the New Testament Church meant the sick were healed. Demons were cast out. Prophetic dreams and visions that come to pass. People repenting and being baptized into the name of Christ, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

"Down from a huntable surplus to one...." Aesop Rock

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

So, does this mean she should stay? :dogkiss

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

Evenuntodeath, please be cautious with us! You're going to get answers from so many different directions it may confuse you more than help you.

Take your time in evaluating your situation. Haste in making a decision like this could cause you more heartache in the long run. Yet, I understand where you're coming from. Pray with an open heart and wait on the Lord. There are as many opinions as there are people on AFF. We can help share with you and pray for you but ultimately you are facing a situation that you will have to make the final decision. I will be praying for you.

I left the UPC many years ago. But, I didn't make the decision overnight and I didn't make it with any malice. Do your best to not become bitter. That just makes the recovery longer. God bless you!

Been Thinkin

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

:heeheehee